Pakistan introduces new mandatory requirement for work visa protectors

2026-01-27 - 06:59

LAHORE – The Pakistan government has made it mandatory for its citizens traveling to European countries or Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain, on work visas to obtain Soft Skills Certificate before departing for their destinations. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment in an announcement stated that the requirement regarding soft skill certification is applicable from January 1, 2026 for Pakistani citizens, who intend to travel to the European countries on work visas. The Bureau added that the soft skill certificate requirement will come into effect from February 1, 2026 for those who are travelling to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and other Arab countries. It announced that the work visa holders of the foreign countries will not be able to apply for the protector without the soft skill certificate. Where to Obtain the Soft Skill Certificate Pakistani citizens can visit the https://softskills.oec.gov.pk/ to get the certificate for free of cost. However, the applicants need to pass the test to get the certificate. Visa Protector Fee in Pakistan Last month, the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has issued an advisory reminding all Pakistanis working abroad or planning to travel to foreign countries for jobs to strictly follow the mandatory visa protector registration requirements. It said every overseas employee must obtain a protector stamp or electronic protector verification before departing the country. The total protector fee for those who got direct employment in foreign countries stands at Rs9,200. It includes Rs4,000 in wake of OPF fund, Rs2,500 Insurance Premium, Rs2,500 registration fee and Rs200 OEC fee. Australia skilled work visa protector fee in Pakistan [May 2025]